In the heart of a modern city, two rival families hold the power. Valentina, a fiercely loyal daughter, and Matteo, a cunning and determined son, find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous feud. But when their paths unexpectedly intertwine, th...
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I finished getting ready, slipping into a black crop top and ripped jeans that felt like the right mix of casual and confident. I ran a brush through my hair one last time, tying it into a high ponytail.
My makeup was light but enough to make me feel put together. As I grabbed my backpack, I heard the honk outside—Matteo was already here.
I hurried downstairs, opened the front door, and stepped out into the cool morning air. Matteo's car was parked right in front, waiting. I slid into the passenger seat, tossing my bag at my feet.
"Morning," Matteo said, glancing over at me with a small smile.
"Morning," I replied, adjusting my seatbelt.
"You nervous?" Matteo asked, pulling away from the curb.
I let out a slow breath, "Yeah, a little. I mean, I don't really have any friends there. It's going to be weird."
Matteo gave me a sideways look. "You'll be fine. You're tough."
"Tough doesn't make it any less awkward," I said, looking out the window. "I just feel... out of place, I guess."
He shrugged. "Trust me, it's not as bad as you think. You'll get through it."
I sighed, "Easy for you to say. You're not the one walking into school with no one to talk to."
Matteo smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "You'll have people to talk to. You're Valentina, you've got this. Plus, it's just summer school. Fewer people, less drama."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes, but his words did make me feel a little better. "We'll see."
"You will," he said, the confidence in his voice almost enough to make me believe it.
We drove the rest of the way in a comfortable silence, but inside, my nerves were buzzing. School was the last place I wanted to be, but at least I wasn't alone.
As I stepped out of the car, the usual nerves pricked at my skin. I adjusted my crop top and slung my bag over my shoulder, glancing back at Matteo. "Thanks for the ride."
He followed me out, strolling around the car to walk beside me. "What are you doing?" I asked, eyebrow raised.
Matteo smiled. "Walking you to class."
I sighed, trying to sound nonchalant. "You don't have to do that."
"I want to," he replied simply, falling into step beside me.
As we entered the school, I felt the stares of the students like a spotlight. Whispers started up immediately, with people glancing at us and then quickly turning away. My heart raced, but I tried to ignore it.
Then a blonde girl near the lockers caught my eye. She was clearly watching us, and when I glanced her way, she smirked. "Look who it is—the charity case. Guess even failing summer school gets you an upgrade in boyfriends."
I felt a sharp pang at her words but decided to fight back. I turned to face her, my voice icy. "If you're just jealous, why don't you say so? I haven't seen you around any boys lately."
Her face reddened. "Well, maybe if you weren't so busy clinging to Matteo, you wouldn't be a joke to everyone."
I couldn't help but retort. "And maybe if you actually had something going for you besides your mouth, you wouldn't have to attack other people to feel good about yourself. You're pathetic."
The girl's mouth dropped open, stunned into silence. Her friends snickered, clearly enjoying the scene. I could see the girl's frustration as she turned away, and I felt a small sense of victory.
As we moved past the crowd, Matteo leaned in and whispered, "You know, you're blowing it by being so rude. You might want to try making friends instead of making enemies."
I shot him a look, irritated but grateful. "What, you expect me to just let her talk to me like that?"
"No, no," Matteo said quickly, his tone light. "I was just making a joke. I mean, it's high school—people are always going to be like that. But maybe consider letting it roll off your back sometimes."
I sighed, glancing around at the stares we were still drawing. I reached out and squeezed his arm, offering a small smile. "Thanks for sticking around. It's just hard not to respond."
Matteo smirked slightly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, if you're going to make a scene, might as well make it entertaining."
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "Glad I could provide some entertainment."
As we reached the entrance to my classroom, Matteo added, "You know, you should try to save some of that fire for the people who actually matter."
I turned to Matteo, who was still watching me with that amused smirk. "Thanks for walking me here. I guess I'll see you later?"
Matteo nodded, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Yeah, of course. Have a good day, Valentina. And try not to let everyone get to you too much."
I managed a small, appreciative smile. "I'll try. Thanks again, Matteo."
With a final wave, Matteo headed back toward the exit, and I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the day ahead.
AUTHORS NOTEEE Ugh school!! Don't worry y'all won't see a lot of school. There relationship is really growing though!! Please follow my TikTok @heartss4bookss for more updates and content!!
